Dimalurru

Part of Australia’s oldest cave system, Dimalurru is a deep cavern that transverses the balili (limestone) of the Napier Range. The National Park has been named for the creek which has tunnelled its way through the balili and sculptured the cavern over thousands of years. Although the shaping of the cavern may stretch back over the millennia, the formation of this space is not an act frozen in antiquity. Part of the magic of Dimalurru is noting the subtle shifts and changes that occur each year after the rushing waters of bulurru (monsoon time) have subsided.

Visitors are drawn to Dimalurru largely to explore this underground world. But it is not just people attracted to this cavernous tunnel. At least 6 different species of bats make their home within this intricate cave system. One of these is the rare ghost bat (Macroderma gigis) Australia’s only carnivorous bat that feeds on frogs, reptiles, birds and small mammals. The ghost bat is named for a thin membrane across its wings that makes it appear ghostly at night. Unique to northern Australia, ghost bat populations are vulnerable as their populations are threatened through habitat destruction brought about through mining and development. Protected within the National Park, Dimalurru provides a refuge for this unusual and extraordinary species.

Dimalurru has long acted as sanctuary not only to our animals, but also to our people. During the three-year campaign against the colonial invasion of our lands, Jandamarra and the Bunuba resistance warriors, regularly used Dimalurru as a place to rest and recuperate. Threatened by Bunuba’s intricate knowledge of the balili and confounded by the labyrinth of intersecting caves, Dimalurru was not somewhere that the troopers and colonial militias were willing to enter. As such Dimalurru acted as both fortress and refuge. Unfortunately, this stronghold was ultimately penetrated, and on April 1st, 1897, Jandamarra was fatally shot by Aboriginal trooper Minko Mick, from just outside the south-western entrance of the tunnel. Today the story and bravery of Jandamarra and the Bunuba resistance echoes through the hearts of our people and the walls of Dimalurru.

Temperatures outside of Dimalurru can easily exceed 40C and it is recommended that you visit during the cooler times of the day. Carry adequate water - at least 1L of water per person for each hour that you visit. Hats, long sleeves and sunscreen are strongly recommended.

There is no water available in the Park or seating facilities at this time. There are public toilets for use. The Park is for day use only, there is no camping in the National or Conservation Park. The nearest camping is at Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park